Malfunction Indicator & Strange Behaviour

[Arthway]

Running a Nissan Terrano II TDI SE Touring 1998. Had a problem yesterday and would appreciate suggestions on what is likely to be behind this.

We had travelled OK for around 12 miles - it was very warm (probably about 27degC). Car was doing around 40-45mph in either 4th or 5th when suddenly the engine seemed to significantly reduce in power (and consequently the speed reduced). At the same time the orange Malfunction Indicator light came on (and stayed on). It was awkward to stop so we continued for a further 2-3 miles without over working the engine, but the engine then cut out (and of the course the power steering too!). The orange light stayed on.

After consulting the owner's manual for a few minutes, I started her up - the light had gone out and we continued for the remaining mile of our journey.

Several hours later (in the early hours), we drove home the 16 or so miles as usual without incident.

Any ideas why this happened - why the engine power suddently reduced and then cut out a few miles further on?

 

[jims-terrano]

Wonder if reading the codes with a paper clip in the downloads section will show anything.

 

[Arthway]

Wonder if reading the codes with a paper clip in the downloads section will show anything.

I was under the impression that the codes will only display if the error light is still lit?

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

No, as far as I know they stay memorised until you reset them so you should be able to find out what happened :thumb2

 

[Arthway]

No, as far as I know they stay memorised until you reset them so you should be able to find out what happened :thumb2

OK - I'll have to have a go but last time I remember having to be a contortionist to get in the right place to see etc (short sight and bifocals don't help!).

In the meantime, anyone hazard a guess as to why it played up like this?

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

What you describe sounds like the car went into limp mode. Basically you can't rev it over about 2k rpm. Normally if this is a minor thing just switching the ignition off and back on again will clear it. I found I could do it quickly even on the motorwsy just by dipping the clutch, switching it off, then back on and then bringing the clutch back up and bump starting the engine.

As said, the codes will still be recorded, some codes are even recorded without the MIL coming on. Main problem wiĺl be working out what code it is if you have not cleared the codes for a while.

There are many things that could cause "limp mode", for me it was MAF issues, as can the waste gate on the turbo not opening in time. Oh and more recently air in the Diesel line.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[Banshee]

Get the codes read matey. Too many things to guess at when then MIL codes may have the answer. :thumb2

 

[Arthway]

Got the code and it is 47 - ckp sensor issue. The car is seeing the doctor mid week so hopefully he can get to the bottom of this. Started the car Sat afternoon and drove just a few yards up our driveway (on an incline) and the engine cut out. The code (which had been cleared prior) read 47. Cleared the code and drove a few more yards and the engine cut out a second time with code 47. Cleared the code and drove without incident for approx half a mile.....

A hot afternoon.....

 

[jims-terrano]

Crankshaft position sensor ain’t difficult to replace, might cost a bob or two though.
Depending on the year there’s two locations. One is on front of engine just below the water pump. Later vehicle has it at the rear of the engine just above bell housing.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

Is that the one thats expensive from Nissan but same sensor can be had from Audi for much less money?

 

[jims-terrano]

Is that the one thats expensive from Nissan but same sensor can be had from Audi for much less money?

Dunno mate

 

[solarman216]

The Audi A3 sensor is only for the Zexell set up and requires the plug cutting off and joining the wires, also need a spacer as it is a little longer than the original, the good part is it is less than £20 Rick

 

[Arthway]

New sensor fitted by garage over the weekend, so hopefully the problem has now gone away. If the problem returns, I'll do a further update. Thanks to all for your contributions.

 

[Banshee]

Thanks for the update :thumb2

 

[jims-terrano]

Sounding promising. Let us know if this is a fix as info like this can help others in the future.

 

[Arthway]

On the day that the mechanic had a good session with the car, including test driving it plus I drove to the garage and back, the fault, would not show for us. Anyway, he ordered the part, so I had to wait a few days before he was able to change the sensor.

One hour after getting home, I had to drive out just half a mile and the car stalled 4 times on code 47! Three hours later I had to do the same trip, and it was without incident.

Since the new sensor was fitted I have only done a couple of miles and everthing seems OK. I'll be back on here if it reoccurs to update everyone. If the fault is *not* the sensor, then of course there is always the possibility that it won't show again until we get a return of very hot weather. Unlike a lot of England, this part of Wales has been signifcantly cooler for 3/4 days now.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

If it re occurs start checking wiring looms and connections for signs of wear/rubbing/corrosion etc. :thumb2

 

[Arthway]

Ho Hum - I'm back.

Since the new part was installed, I've only done very short runs with no issues.

Today, the problem is back - stalled twice on us without warning (Code 47). Only just pulled away from a junction and again a little further on, and at quite low speed and revs. It's quite a sunny warmish day today but by no means hot (probably hit around 21C in the shade here).

BTW, fuel is low now in the vehicle and I'm at a bit of a loss to know what should be done next.

 

[Arthway]

If it re occurs start checking wiring looms and connections for signs of wear/rubbing/corrosion etc. :thumb2

Thanks - I'll make sure the garage are aware of your recommendation.

 

[Arthway]

As reported the other day, the intermittent stalling problem is back, displaying Code 47. The sensor has been replaced.

I am waiting for the garage to look at the car again (although losing confidence now - throwing more money at this).

Question: As this seems to happen when on inclines (and the other day the car was well loaded as we started up a hill), could it be the fuel filter AND if so, why would this be reporting a Code 47 issue - I don't understand Btw, I am clearing out the codes each time, and it will display Code 55 afterwards (which means "no errors").